Vehicles have become an integral part of the life of several people. We use cars to take us to our destination quickly. However, what happens if it breaks down? You would most likely need to replace its components. It is where aftermarket and OEM come into action.
If you visit a local store or browse online, you may encounter the terms OEM and aftermarket. What do these mean? Is one better than the other? Are their prices similar or different? There are a few things worth knowing before dealing with it.
Summary
The biggest differences between OEM and aftermarket parts are who makes them and their effect on the car’s warranty. OEM parts in cars mean “original equipment manufacturer,” meaning it was made by the company that produces the car. Aftermarket parts mean that the car’s original manufacturer did not make the part.
In this article, we’ll also cover the following topics:
- When to choose one over the other
- Pros & cons of each
- Where you can buy them
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Aftermarket items are often cheaper than OEM because it is not the same manufacturer as the vehicle. Do you think they are less durable and reliable than their OEM counterpart? Not necessarily. All brands have a reputation to keep, so they will unlikely produce a part that is not on par with the standards.
With that said, what are their differences? This article dives deep into both types. By the end, you will have a better understanding of each.
Table of Contents
- What does OEM mean & stand for?
- What is an aftermarket part?
- When should you choose OEM?
- Pros and cons of each
- OEM
- Aftermarket parts:
- The following are the cons.
What does OEM mean & stand for?
OEM stands for original equipment manufacturer. What does it mean? It means the manufacturer is the same for the part and the vehicle. An example would be a Honda sedan and its Honda-made headlight or a Toyota SUV and its Toyota-made side steps.
A Jeep manufacturing a catalytic converter for its products is another good example. However, it is rare for a car to have pure OEM parts. These automobile manufacturers usually outsource some. It includes things such as the seats, audio system, and others. You must remember not all branded items you see online or in-store are original or genuine. Some of these replacement items are counterfeit. We recommend buying parts from a reputable seller or store.
If you are considering Amazon for these items, please carefully checkout your order. Analyze before proceeding and doubt if you think the price is low for what you are getting.
Alternatively, OEM components can also be designed by the car manufacturer for a specific purpose but produced by a different manufacturer. Regardless, the design is exclusive to it. These are usually available from a dealership.
Large-scale dealers have an entire department packed with factory-trained personnel that knows both types and the different car models. These people can provide customers with the best support and advice in choosing the best replacement part.
What is an aftermarket part?
Aftermarket car parts are otherwise called non-OEM or generics. They are manufactured by a company other than the vehicle’s brand. Several car owners have replaced a component or two in their cars. If you have not encountered this issue, you will come across it in the future. You can choose between OEM or aftermarket when buying new or replacement ones.
Most owners will face this dilemma at least once, so it is important to understand their differences. Knowing their differences will help you in making the best decision.
Aftermarket components have been designed to meet the same functionality as the original one. Essentially, it can be a replacement for the original one when doing repairs.
On the other hand, the same company manufactures both the component and the vehicle for OEMs. For example, Subaru genuine parts are OEM products for any Subaru-made vehicle. One could say these parts have the same quality level as the ones you will find in a brand new one.
The difference lies with the choice. There is a wider selection to choose from in any vehicle model for aftermarket ones. You could not say the same thing for OEMs because they are exclusive to a manufacturer.
When should you choose OEM?
We do not recommend choosing the cheaper option always. Aftermarket ones are cheaper than the OEM but come with an uncertainty level. Their quality varies with several factors that need consideration. These are not exclusive to one make and model, so we suggest contacting a trained mechanic or technician regarding the best options.
On the other hand, an OEM will cost you more but will likely come with a warranty and aftersales support. It is exclusive to your vehicle, so compatibility is a guarantee.
We think replacing a part with an OEM is best practice if your vehicle is for repair after a collision. The damaged body panels will make it difficult for aftermarkets to fit correctly. Moreover, it could void your warranty, especially if you are leasing.
Pros and cons of each
Truck, RV, or car repairs have two options – take it to an independent shop or dealership. You may already know that, but there are important details to know. Dealerships work with OEM, while independent shops typically work with aftermarkets.
OEMs are the ones you get from a vehicle if they are fresh from the manufacturer. On the other hand, the aftermarkets only have a similar design. It may have compatibility with several makes and models.
The following sections will discuss the pros and cons of each. Ultimately, the decision lies with you.
OEM
The following are the pros.
- The quality is guaranteed – The design of these parts is the same as the original one.
- Warranty – Automakers and dealers offer warranties for these OEM parts.
- Simple and easy to choose – These usually come in one type, so you will not have trouble choosing.
The following are the cons.
- The availability is limited – You can only find these components through some suppliers and the automaker itself.
- Higher cost – These cost more than their aftermarket counterpart.
Aftermarket parts:
The following are the pros.
- It could have better quality – Aftermarket components could potentially have better quality than their original counterpart.
- Variety – You have more choices and a range of prices too.
- Lower cost – These parts cost less than their OEM counterpart. However, brand plays a role, so sometimes it could be more expensive.
The following are the cons.
- No warranty – Most of these items do not come with a warranty.
- It could have worse quality – These may not function 100% the way they should.
- Extra selection – Variety could make it harder for you to choose.
